English (ESOL) classes in London
Learning English can help you to make friends, get a job, get a better job, help your child with homework, talk to your doctor, child's teachers and neighbours, prepare for further or higher education and qualifications, and lots more. In the UK, English classes for adults are called 'ESOL classes'.
ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. There are lots of different types of English classes in London, from beginner level to advanced.
Some courses will have examinations, others will not. Some courses will offer childcare while you learn, or ESOL online. Others will offer classes in the evenings, weekends or inside school hours, so you can learn even if you have a job or need to collect children from school.
Find an English class near you
Use the maps below to find a course. Formal English classes will usually help you work towards a qualification in the short or the long term. Informal English classes will usually help to build your confidence and improve your well-being. Many people move from formal to informal learning and from informal to formal learning during their English learning journey.
Resources for referral organisations
Find out what resources are available in your area to support the sign-posting and referral of people with English language needs to suitable ESOL and skills provision.
Resources in this section will be useful for professionals supporting people arriving on the UKRS, ARAP, ACRS, Hong Kong BN(O) Scheme, Ukraine Family, Sponsorship or Extension Schemes, or people seeking asylum, other refugees or other people seeking sanctuary who have British citizenship.
For detailed guidance, including an overview of the different resettlement schemes and immigration routes, bespoke ESOL funding, an overview of ESOL and detailed information on funding streams, how to secure or commission provision and how to cater for childcare needs, please refer to our English Language for Resettlement guidance.
For a thorough overview of all there is to know about ESOL and resettlement in London, read the whole document.
Otherwise, use the contents tool on the right to jump to the most relevant sections.
If you regularly support Londoners with English language needs in your role, the GLA’s monthly ESOL newsletter is an easy way to keep up to date on ESOL-relevant news, funding, training, partnership and job opportunities. It includes interesting case studies, and ESOL course vacancies and progression opportunities for Londoners with English language needs.
Resources for providers and funders
City Hall supports formal and informal ESOL providers and organisations supporting Londoners with English language needs with ESOL-relevant news, funding, training and job opportunities, and ESOL course vacancies through a monthly ESOL newsletter.
Alongside funding for ESOL teacher training, a weekly ESOL and EAL Jobs Bulletin helps the sector to respond to demand for English language courses in London.
In addition, we regularly collect and share case studies on innovative practice in the sector, including examples of cross-sectorial working and partnership working to improve access to high quality English language provision for London's diverse communities.
Click the button below to find out more about how City Hall is supporting the sector.
City Hall hosts London's Strategic Migration Partnership (SMP), and leads on improving local and regional coordination of ESOL provision in London.
Find out more about the GLA's work on ESOL, including commissioning research, ESOL mapping, data analysis, and guidance and resources on ESOL coordination models in London and elsewhere.
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